Dickson Terrace Archives - Hamilton Today

Hamilton Hill Block Listed After Long Ownership

A long-held vacant site on Hamilton Hill has been placed on the market after Susan and Carlo Lorenti decided not to proceed with earlier plans to build a home on the property.

Hamilton Hill Block Enters The Market

The 810sqm site at 6–8 Dickson Terrace in Hamilton spans two lots with a 20-metre frontage and dual street access. Positioned at an elevated point of Hamilton Hill, it offers views across the river, the city skyline and surrounding suburbs. The land is one of the area’s few remaining undeveloped sites, as surrounding streets are largely made up of completed luxury homes.

Susan and Carlo Lorenti purchased the block in February 2012 as a mortgagee sale. Mrs Lorenti first noticed the property during her regular walking route that year, when the steep incline and clear outlook made the site stand out. The pair planned to build a substantial home, drawn to the hillside location and the changing views throughout the day, including the movement of boats on the river below.

Brisbane property — Photo Credit: Ray White Ascot

Why The Site Remain Underdeveloped

The couple ran Clayfield Markets Fresh for 29 years while raising their two sons. Their business commitments and family responsibilities meant that building plans were repeatedly delayed.

Their focus remained on operating the business until its eventual sale to Harris Farm in 2020. With their sons now older, the couple has shifted toward downsizing rather than constructing a large residence, prompting the decision to sell the Hamilton site more than a decade after buying it.

Hamilton real estate — Photo Credit: Ray White Ascot

Features of the Hamilton Hill Landholding

Property records show the site last traded for $2.9 million in 2012, with an earlier recorded sale of $550,000 in 1987. The land’s configuration allows for either one significant residence or the construction of two homes, subject to approval.

The elevated position provides a vantage point over the city and river, which has been a key selling feature in marketing material.

Sales Campaign Details

Ray White Ascot director Damon Warat is overseeing the campaign. Best offers are due on 10 December at 2:00 p.m. The formal listing highlights the property’s access to recreation areas, Portside Wharf, Racecourse Road and a range of nearby schools, forming part of the appeal for prospective buyers.

The property remains open to interested parties ahead of the 10 December closing time.

Published 9-Dec-2025

Prized Hamilton Home Faces Partial Demolition to Kick Off Next Chapter

An iconic Hamilton home with almost 90 years of history could soon see sleek modern updates if a prominent restaurant couple’s development application gets approved.

Read: Dickson Terrace Residents Say No to Tycoon’s Extravagant Rebuild

Chef Jason Coats and wife Katie, known for venues like Maya Mexican and Il Molo, have submitted plans to transform parts of the roofline of the stately 1930s Dickson Terrace estate they acquired earlier this year. Though seeking to preserve the grand exterior, their proposed internal facelift somehow contradicts codes for protecting traditional buildings.

According to planning documents, the “partial demolition of the roof form, and other components as illustrated….do not comply with acceptable outcome AO1.1 of the (council’s) traditional building character (demolition) overlay code.”

Hamilton home — Photo credit: Z Architects

Plans filed detailed demolition of parts of the unique roofline to allow for modern skylights. However, the overall brick exterior and original charm would remain intact.

Proposed additions lean into the home’s lush riverfront setting, including an enviable pool and sauna. This would complement grand existing spaces like formal dining and a studio ripe for conversion.

The Hamilton home itself boasts an illustrious past beyond its striking architecture. Famed Brisbane architect Mervyn Rylance imbued his riverfront Mediterranean design with custom details to maximise natural light and connection with the outdoors.

Prominent Queensland barrister Tony Morris, who was only the second owner of the property, called it a secluded family retreat for around 35 years after purchasing it in 1988 for a modest $480,000. Prior owners even took advantage of its fortress-like walls which served as a neighbourhood bomb shelter back in the day.

Read: Final Piece of Hamilton Reach Project Has Hit the Market

Whilst contradicting heritage demolition codes, the couple feel their vision balances preservation and updates befitting such a distinctive home. Having stood strong since the ’30s, including weathering use as a bomb shelter, a touch of tasteful modernisation could give it new life under the stewardship of Chef Coats.

Published 5-December-2023

Dickson Terrace Residents Say No to Tycoon’s Extravagant Rebuild

A tycoon’s plans to rebuild a home on Dickson Terrace has been met with strong opposition from fellow residents in the exclusive Hamilton neighbourhood.

Read: Hamilton’s Eldernell Terrace Named Most Expensive Street In Brisbane For 2023

The development application, which received approval in August 2022, entails the construction of a three-storey house designed by architects at Joe Adsett. The project has faced strong objections from local residents who are concerned about the potential impact of the build on their neighbourhood.

The main points of contention raised by fellow residents are the excessive height proposed for the development, which is beyond the height limit for residential areas, and the resulting overshadowing caused by said height.

According to the Dwelling House Code, the acceptable maximum building height for the area is two storeys and should not exceed 9.5 metres above ground level. The planners, on behalf of the applicant, argue that the proposed height aligns with the existing building heights of other structures in Dickson Terrace and the surrounding area.

One resident expressed shock and disappointment over the approval of a development on a neighbouring property that clearly breaches the established codes.

“In carrying out our due diligence in purchasing our property we researched the codes applying to our residential zone and took some comfort in understanding from these codes the limitations on developments that neighbouring properties could undertake,” the local wrote on a formal submission to Brisbane City Council.

Read: Heritage-Listed Cremorne in Hamilton Sells for Record-breaking $8-M

Planning documents reveal that Gail Coyne, the wife of former State of Origin player Gary Coyne, is the primary applicant for the project. Mr Coyne, after retiring from his sporting career, made a name for himself as a restaurant owner, with at least nine McDonald’s franchises.

Published 12-July-2023